Book Review and Giveaway: Unwilling Warrior by Andrea Boeshaar

This is an easy, sweet historical romance.
Unwilling Warrior, Seasons of Redemption Series #1
by Andrea Boeshaar

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Realms; 1st edition (May 4, 2010)
• ISBN-10: 1599799855
• 
  

Genre: Inspirational, Historical Romance

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Product Description
The War Between the States has Valerie Fontaine frightened about her future. She never suspects she'll be thrust into the middle of it. Benjamin McCabe's got a noble dream of photographing the Civil War - and he never expected to fall in love with a New Orleans socialite.
When Valerie's father is arrested on charges of treason, Ben secures a way for her to leave the city and travel to his family's home in Jericho Junction, Missouri where she'll be safe.Can Valerie adjust to life on the prairie and remain true to her promise to wait for Ben no matter what the cost?

Review:
Valerie Fontaine is a gentle nineteen year-old who has returned from school in Virginia to be with her father for their first Christmas since her mother died. Valerie was very close to her loving mother and is sad that she was not there when her mother took. Now she discovers that her father objects to her coming home. He has always been distant but now he is drinking due to his grief. Since the 1861 battles of the Civil War are increasing he can’t safely send Valerie back. Now his main wish is to marry Valerie to James Landon, a childhood friend. Valerie doesn’t mind James as an escort but she has no desire to marry him and is learning that his behavior is ungentlemanly and controlling.

Benjamin McCabe is a photojournalist traveling with his friend Clint and his new wife, Emily. Ben and Clint are photographing the war, but Ben is also busy searching for his brother Luke, whom they lost at the battle of Bull Run. Ben refuses to return home to Jericho Junction, Missouri, until he finds Luke.

Ben is staying with the Fontaines on his visit to New Orleans and is immediately drawn to Valerie’s beauty and sweet spirit. Ben and his country life-style were rejected by a Boston sweetheart so he is cautious of entering a relationship. Yet Ben is concerned about James’ treatment and attitude towards Valerie and he can’t accept that she might be forced to marry James.

Although Ben and Clint have stayed neutral in the war, they agree to take on a photograph assignment for a Confederate Colonel, hoping to find information about Luke and giving Ben a reason to remain in New Orleans longer. When the packet of photos is turned in they include one that shows Mr. Fontaine with a known Yankee sympathizer. The Colonel announces that Mr. Fontaine and the Landon’s are about to be arrested and Valerie is to be taken into custody as a suspected conspirator. Ben realizes he must do something to help so he whisks Valerie off to his cousin, Pastor Elliot, to marry them. Then Emily and the new Mrs. McCabe will be sent off to Missouri where they can wait in safety.

Valerie and Emily are surprised to find Catherine Elliot on the ship for travel. Catherine is in love with Ben and has prepared herself to be his wife in his country town. She resents Valerie and is sure that the marriage will be annulled when Ben returns.

Valerie must adjust to the different life-style with her new in-laws. Although Catherine continues to belittle her as a wealthy daughter who never had to work, that is not who Valerie is. Valerie helped with chores and loved to help her mother make homemade soaps with passages of Psalm 55 attached. Valerie is welcomed by the McCabes and is thankful for the warmth of her new “family”. Catherine continues to show anger and bitterness and feeds Valerie’s doubts of Ben’s motives for marrying her. When Ben returns will they begin a life of love together or will he ask for an annulment?

This is an easy read and a charming story. There is great contrast in the characters, especially Catherine, the preacher’s daughter, and Valerie, the wealthy ship merchant’s daughter. The setting is in the early stages of war and most scenes are only on the peripheral edges of the battles. Still there is interesting detail given regarding the times and how the war is effecting the lives of citizens. There is an underlying strength of faith and goodness in the story without ‘preachiness’.

All of the ladies in book club enjoyed the warm story and we decided to read book two for our April book and May meeting. We recommend this book to those who enjoy a warm, historical, inspirational and sweet romance.

This was our Ladies' Club selection for March reading/April meeting.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the Print Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review, OR

 visit the author's website and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only for print.
* This contest will close 5PM (Central) on April 14, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after April 14, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 4, 2014

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Thank you to all those who made suggestions last week. I had forgotten about the ginger candy tip. I did start to feel better by Sunday and this week has been okay.
Spring is really here with what I call the 'layered' weather: 50 degrees in the morning and 83 in the afternoon.


More details at My Cancer Journey. 

[UPDATED NOTE - US entrants I prefer, please, that you pick a book as that is the first purpose of this giveaway - to find new homes for books. The GCs are for the international entrants because postage has jumped up.]

Thank you to all who entered the March 28 Pick. There was one Automatic win this week.  (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). There was one title with multiple blocks.
Linda K gets the Angel Pair

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from March 28 Pick:
rubynreba gets  Sandhill Dreams

Linda gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

This is another lovely picture of books and spring. :-)

Image found at GlendaleAZ

New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014

PAIRS:
   Virginia Henley - Notorious and Insatiable
   Debbie Macomber - Navy Woman and This Matter of Marriage
SINGLES:
The Diamonds of Wellbourne Manor Anthology by Diane Gaston plus
Heart of Darkness Anthology by Gena Showalter plus
Unbound Anthology by Kim Harrison plus
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Penhollow by Georgette Heyer
Dangerous Passions by Kat Martin
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)
If She Only Knew by Lisa Jackson (spine creases)
Liar's Market by Taylor Smith
The Horseman's Secret by Jeannie Watt
Lakeside Cottage by Susan Wiggs
Strong Arms of the Law by Vicki Kennedy


New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014

PAIRS:
   Deborah Cooke: Winter Kiss and Kiss of Fate
   Fern Michaels:  Hey Good Looking and Charming Lily
SINGLES:
Swimming Without a Net by Mary Jane Davidson
Exit Strategies by Catherine Todd
Provocative in Pearls by Madeline Hunter
The Reckoning by Beverly Lewis
Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls
Contract Dad by Helen Shelton
Sandhill Dreams by Cara Putman
Hearts Are Wild by Laura Wright
Dare Me Anthology, Cherry Adair, Jill Shalvis and Julie Elizabeth Leto
All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins
A Writer's Dream & A Cowboy's Heart by Vickie Kennedy


New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013

PAIRS: gone
SINGLES:
Renegade Heart by Madeline Baker
Every Whispered Word by Karyn Monk
Tides of Passion by Tracy Sumner

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013

Pairs gone
SINGLES:
Father for Keeps by Ana Seymour 
Crimson Rain by Meg O’Brien

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013 (All gone)

Singles:
Silver Feather by Cassie Edwards (pictured and in box but missed the listing.)
Something Extra by Janet Dailey

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
White Heather by Jaclyn Reding

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Pairs:
      (Angels) Not Quite An Angel by Bobby Hutchinson and An Angel for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Singles:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013
Singles:
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013 (All gone)

New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012---(All gone)

New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012
- Oops upside down book! NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley

New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander (postage too much - replaced with GC)

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012--- (All gone)

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012--- (All gone)

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)

New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011---(All gone)

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20
Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
Primary Colors - audio tapes

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in four years I have posted 43 groups of 16 (688) books to find new homes! (as of November 2013).

I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 644+ books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 $7.00 and $6.00 $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown 

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4---(All gone)

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Pick #8
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Book Review: Issachar's Heirs by Brian Chilton

My word to describe this story is "awesome"!
As the book was presented to me I share: "If you are concerned about anti-Christian intimidation growing in America, this one is perfect for you."

Issachar's Heirs
by Brian Chilton

• File Size: 2008 KB
• Print Length: 374 pages
• Publisher: White Feather Press (October 10, 2013)
• ASIN: B00GZY8UZC

Gerne: Political Thriller, Christian Fiction
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 10, 2013
The 20th century dawned with Evil’s perpetual whispering about Europe’s Jewish Problem. Decades passed, more listened, and Evil’s power grew. Evil soon demanded that listening was not enough, placing men into power also eager to act. Multitudes stood by, stilling listening, watching, while Evil’s Solution was imposed. Millions died.
Now at the dawn of the 21st century Evil’s murmur has begun again. But this time the whisper that grows ever louder complains of America’s Christian Problem . . . America’s Christian Problem . . . America’s Christian Problem . . .
In 2016, Nemesis, a small but powerful coalition, will follow Evil’s call to act . . . .
Will the nation founded for religious freedom now allow Christianity to be driven from her shores?

Review:
Issachar Stone objected to President Lincoln’s declaring martial law over the Supreme Court’s opposition but still he tried to warn of assassination plots. Issachar and others of his time formed a group to watch over the US Constitution to try to protect America from any future president who might try to take unilateral control.

Jack Stone isn’t aware of the dedicated and secret society his great ancestor was part of. But Issachar would be proud of Jack’s stand as a constitutional lawyer and firm believer in Christ and God’s sovereignty. Jack has watched with dismay and frustration as the rights of Christians have been eroded and trampled in favor of humanist agendas including legalized abortion, gay rights and liberal teachings in schools.

Now Christians have fallen under violent attack with three mega churches being bombed on July  3, 2016. The FBI receives a call claiming a domestic terrorist group called Nemesis, consisting of a 'high priestess', some Muslims, two gays and others, has targeted Christians with a “Vengeance Sunday”.  The newly appointed acting director of the FBI is told by White House officials, including the President himself, not to waste FBI resources on such an unlikely tip.

A conspiracy of powerful government and media forces twist the facts to make the public think that intolerant Christians are attacking gays with verbal hate mongering that must be stopped. Through treacherous lies and murders the conspirators pursue an attack that seeks to ultimately eliminate Christians from America.

Jack Stone and other Christians are protected and brought together, through divinely directed circumstances, to fight for Christianity and for the very foundation of American freedoms. They recognize that it is only with God’s help and direction they will have a chance against the out of control president who declares martial law and war against the Christian community.

There are strong characters and engaging plot action. There is excellent summary of the challenges that Christians have faced over the past fifty years as America has lost its moral foundation. There are practical examples and supporting legal documentation showing the moral decline and increasing control of humanist agendas. There are also uplifting Biblical quotes, hymns and messages of salvation. The only part of the story that I found lacking was the fact that the president did not target Jack, Lin and the others more specifically when he learned of their involvement. Also, I was disappointed that there was no resolution of what would happen to the president even after his lies and deeds were exposed.

I think this book is awesome and I totally enjoyed it even as I experienced chills, frustrated disgust and tears of sorrow and joy. The story is fiction but there is a factual history that makes it not too far fetched as a prophetic picture for the future of America. As the author notes, this book will most likely be read by Christians, but oh how I wish humanists, doubters and seekers would read this book and open their hearts.

I received this title for review through a publicist.

About the Author:

Issachar's Heirs is Brian Chilton's first novel, and he is currently completing the second and third novels in the series, One Nation Under God and The Keys of David. His non-fiction writing has previously been featured in Townhall.com, National Legal Center for the Public Interest, The Washington Post, Law Watch, Legal Times, Washington Business Journal, National Law Journal, the ABA's Criminal Justice magazine and Canadian Corporate Counsel magazine.

A 1992 graduate of University of Virginia School of Law, Brian represented the mother and daughter in the 2004 Supreme Court case, Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow, resulting in the words "under God" being retained in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Born in 1965, Brian was the unplanned baby of an unmarried teenage mother. By God's grace his birth preceded Roe v. Wade's expansion of abortionby eight years and he wasadopted into a Christian home. He and his wife Lori have been married twenty-seven years, live with their three children in Virginia, and attend McLean Bible Church.

March Winners: R is for Rebel, Ladies Shooting Club and Desperately Seeking Suzanna

CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNERS FROM MARCH GIVEAWAYS:

Giveaway Ended March 14, 2014

Giveaway:
R Is for Rebel: ...and Royalty, Relatives, Reality, and Running from love... (Unruly Royals) by Megan Mulry
ARC Print; US Only;

WINNER : ERIN F

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway Ended March 26, 2014

Giveaways (three total): The Gunsmith's Gallantry, Ladies Shooting Club Series #2 by Susan Page Davis.

WINNERS:
The Sheriff’s Surrender - Print: SueF
The Gunsmith’s Gallentry - Print: bn100
Shooting Club Trilogy in eBook - Becky

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway Ended March 28, 2014

Giveaway: Desperately Seeking Suzanna by Elizabeth Michels; 

WINNER: ALYN

ALL WINNERS - Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form AND if you want you can email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will arrange the mailing or notify the publishers.
[I ask that all winner's fill in the form as it helps me keep track of when I have completed the mail outs or notice to the publishers rather than tracking individual emails. But of course -- feel free to email me too! :-)]

Audible Book Review: Night Broken: Mercy Thompson, Book 8 by Patricia Briggs

This is another hard to put down addition to a wonderful series.
Night Broken: Mercy Thompson, Book 8
Written by: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
Series: Mercy Thompson, Book 8
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:03-11-14
Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

#1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson series has been hailed as “one of the best” (Fiction Vixen Book Reviews). Now Mercy must deal with an unwanted guest—one that brings a threat unlike anything she’s ever known.
An unexpected phone call heralds a new challenge for Mercy. Her mate Adam’s ex-wife is in trouble, on the run from a stalker. Adam isn’t the kind of man to turn away a person in need—and Mercy knows it. But with Christy holed up in Adam’s house, Mercy can’t shake the feeling that something about the situation isn’t right.
Soon her suspicions are confirmed when she learns that Christy has the furthest thing from good intentions. She wants Adam back, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to get him, including turning Adam’s pack against Mercy.
Mercy isn’t about to step down without a fight, but there’s a more dangerous threat circling. Christy’s stalker is more than a bad man—in fact, he may not be human at all. As the bodies start piling up, Mercy must put her personal troubles aside to face a creature with the power to tear her whole world apart.
©2014 Hurog, Inc. (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
Mercy has begun to settle in with her mate, Adam, who is the head of the Tri-City Ware pack. Although she has been brought into the pack as the alpha’s mate, not all the members totally support her since she is a coyote shifter not a wolf. This problem intensifies when Adam’s ex-wife, and Jessie’s mother, Christy, seeks refuge with Adam as she is running from a stalker. Jessie feels that Christy abandoned her and Adam but several of the female pack members were friends with Christy and they are quickly sucked back into her helpless, self-absorbed, manipulative acts. Mercy has to struggle to choose the higher ground rather than call Christy on her bad behaviors.

The tensions are running high in the household and then the stalker shows up and attacks Mercy. Mercy could hide but she knows that the confrontation will be on the monitors. She decides she has to take a stand and face the guy with his vicious dog. Of course that was before she learned the guy and his faithful companion are far from ordinary. The guy is some type of volcano god who is nearly indestructible. Fortunately Adam arrives just in time to help protect her. Tad, who helps at the garage, uses unrevealed fae magic to temporarily secure the enemy who then escapes through the concrete floor. But the obsessed, evil god-man is mad and convinced that Christy is his long lost mate. He is prepared to take out the pack to get to her.

Adding to her worries, Mercy has been approached by a powerful fae who wants her to return the walking stick that used to follow her around. After the stick turned itself into a deadly weapon Mercy gave it to Coyote. As Mercy searches for Coyote she discovers she has a half brother, Gary Laughingdog, who has visions and reluctantly realizes he is going to have to stick around and help the pack face this evil god-like creature.

I love all of the action and creative danger in this series. I also love the extreme warmth portrayed through the family and pack bonds. Ms. Briggs does both of these elements beautifully keeping the series successfully entertaining and fresh.

Audio Notes: Lorelei King does a great job with this series. She manages to convey the emotions and personalities, particularly of the primary characters. The narration enhances the reading experience for me as it makes it an easy, gripping listen.

I really like this series so I purchased this with a February Audible credit!